Elton John in Concert at Caesar’s Palace: The Red Piano
November 23, 2008 by Vegas Baby
Filed under Caesar's Palace, Elton John, Featured, Upcoming Concerts
He has survived the ups and downs of musical stardom for over 30 years. Commercially, creatively, on stage and on record, Elton John is a legendary artist — one who is still as relevant as ever.
Elton John’s finely honed stage presence, a winning factor in targeting his tunes straight into the heart of America, is excess incarnate. In The Red Piano, the showy costumes are replaced by incredible video imagery and stage props, yet the end result is unmistakably classic Elton John.
Gregarious, show-stopping, outlandish and unforgettable. Words that could be Elton John as much as they are Vegas. Together with photographer David LaChapelle, Elton John has created The Red Piano — a career overview performance you won’t soon forget.
The Red Piano takes the audience inside Elton John’s world. LaChapelle creates a dreamscape dripping with rich imagery of Hollywood and Las Vegas icons — each moment created to give the viewer a new, three dimensional interpretation of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s most memorable recordings.
Don’t miss your last chance to see this cultural and musical icon as he closes out his
spectacular five-year run at Caesars Palace. Only three engagements remain at The Colosseum in the show that USA TODAY called “the future of Las Vegas entertainment.”
Please note that The Red Piano is designed with a Vegas theme and mature audiences in mind. The video imagery that accompanies the music may at times be considered risqué, and includes montage style scenes that include brief frontal nudity. The Video content is designed within the context of the songs and overall theme of the show.
Show Dates: Feb. 3 – 4, 6 – 8, 10 – 11, 13 – 15, 2009
Timmy on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:11 pm
Good view even from the second to back row on the top mezzanine. Elton’s banter between songs seemed a bit over-rehearsed, and some of his vocals weren’t clear, but the overall performance and that of the band was excellent. I found the video complemented the performance well, and was only occasionally distracting. Those of us at the back might have liked to see more of the live stage footage projected.
Jenny on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:11 pm
My boyfriend and I flew out to Vegas the night before election day to catch this show on Caesar’s tab.
It was much better than I had anticipated. In all honesty, I think live music can get pretty boring, easily. I mean, I appreciate good music as much as the next person, but watching some person sing and play some sort of instrument gets old fast.
That’s why all the video presentations, inflatable breasts and penises, blazing neon signs and streamers flying out of nipples came in just in time to keep me interested and awake! And in addition, Elton’s hilarious renegade commentary was very amusing as well! But really, David Lachapelle did a glorious job directing the show, creating beautifully presented videos that gave the songs new meaning and prompted thoughts and emotions inside all of us. And, Elton John sounded better than ever.
Although we were in “nosebleed” seats, I think the show was still amazing, and I felt just as in tune with Elton as the people with front row seats. Too bad we couldn’t jump onstage and dance pianoside with Elton like all the people sitting in the front rows did. Oh, well…next time!!!
Truly a memorable, amusing and visually stimulating concert. Probably the best concert I’ve ever been to.
Megan on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:12 pm
I did not know I was an Elton John fan until I saw this show. I had free tickets so I went and loved the show.
Of course I knew some of his tried and true staples, but I was fairly unfamiliar with Elton John before I went to the show.
The imagery was beautiful and artistic, Elton was quite humorous and reminiscent on his walk down memory lane.
i went out and bought the DVD and am loving it over again!
JJ on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:12 pm
OOH Elton.. you are truly amazing… and My pink boa really made me fit in!!!! Well with your standards! I mean he started with “Bennie and the Jets”, what more can I ask for honestly!
He had a huge screen behind him that projected videos that went with each song. He gave insight about songs and what they meant, including Daniel which he said is confusing because he took out the last line because it made him sad.
One thing I did notice was there were lots of breasts and half naked women including Pamela Anderson in the videos and huge blow up boobs and bananas at the end.
He is just so great! It was well worth the price!!! And yes if you sit in the front you do get to go on stage.. but don’t get too close they don’t like that.
EltonSucks on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:13 pm
This is the MOST disappointing show I’ve seen on the strip thus far.
Understand that I am not an EJ fan, but my wishful thinking was that the show would serve as entertainment value.
If we are paying over $250/tix I expect more of a performance:
NOT blow up dolls.
NOT flashing neon signs.
NOT streaming video depicting your song.
NOT celebrities on video depicting your song.
NOT just a band and a piano.
I WANT action, dancers, I want my money’s worth, I want, I WANT!!!
I WANT a SHOW not a CONCERT w/streaming VIDEO.
YEAH I’m a high maintenance brat.
BTW, for the children of the 80s, there was no LION KING. Boo!!!
danielle on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:13 pm
Yes, totally over the top, but what would one expect from Sir Elton in sin city? As a fan ‘from a distance’ (for lack of better way to describe the fact that I’ve always appreciated his music but never owned any), I forgot how prolific the man is. Try and sit on stage left so you are facing Elton. He possesses great talent and is a treat to experience. I had the opportunity to see the 200th show — we were given boas on our way in to celebrate.
I will agree – the production going on around Elton and the bad is a bit overwhelming, but we chalked it up to the Vegas factor. Some of the imagery is quite disturbing, but some is just over the top funny. The cameos are good. Who knew Pam Anderson really isn’t that talented on the pole?
Note to parents: When you see signs indicating there is adult content/intended for mature audiences, particularly in LAS VEGAS, that might be a not so subtle hint to leave the kids at home. SERIOUSLY! Being granted the title of Sir can’t take the raunch factor out of the man.
loveeltonjohn on Tue, 25th Nov 2008 4:14 pm
I just don’t know if it gets any better than this show! Always loved Elton John’s music, but this took it to a whole new level. The venue is great, the video is great, the stage and blow-ups are hilarious! The music, ohhhh, the music! The acoustics are perfect! I, an admittedly emotional girl, teared up many, many times during this show. Just being in the same room with Sir Elton was enough to bring on the waterworks. Talked the husband into seeing the show twice, without too much trouble. I may need to go again. It’s that great! Love the amazing videos that run behind the stage, particularly the ones with Justin Timberlake and PeeWee Herman. Well done! Very, very well done!
Although once again, NOT FOR CHILDREN! This show is for adults, and only adults will really appreciate it. Not to mention that it is not inexpensive and taking children is an unnecessary expense and a very unnecessary annoyance to others in the audience.
Not a bad seat in the house. Worth every cent and more! Hope Elton keeps entertaining Vegas FOREVER. I will be in the audience!